Best Mechanical Engineering Schools in Illinois

You must be able to obtain a degree in mechanical engineering in order to work as a mechanical engineer in Illinois. This means that you must pursue mechanical engineering at any Illinois institution that is accredited. This page lists the best mechanical engineering schools in Illinois.

There are more than 60 distinct ABET-accredited engineering degrees offered by the 11 ABET-accredited universities in the state of Illinois.

There are 43 colleges in Illinois that provide engineering programs in some kind. There are numerous engineering majors available across the state, such as those in the fields of mechanical, chemical, biological, and aeronautical engineering.

Chicago, which is home to institutions like Northwestern, University of Illinois Chicago, and Illinois Institute of Technology, is one of the most well-known locations in Illinois for mechanical engineering colleges. At the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana is another well-liked city for engineering studies.

Additionally, you must pass the necessary NCEES exam in order to obtain your license from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and work as a mechanical engineer.

How do you Define Mechanical Engineering?

Technically speaking, mechanical engineering is the use of ideas and methods for solving problems from design through manufacturing engineering for anything.

For this reason, mechanical engineers use the laws of motion, energy, and force to examine their work and make sure that designs function safely, effectively, and reliably while also being competitively priced.

The work of mechanical engineers is important. Mechanical engineering careers concentrate on developing technology that address human requirements. A mechanical engineer has probably contributed in some manner to almost every good or service in modern life in order to benefit humanity.

This includes addressing current issues and developing solutions for issues such as world hunger, space exploration, climate change, energy, and transportation.

Mechanical engineering education is adaptable since it is anchored in a variety of problems and innovations. Mechanical engineers can create a part, equipment, system, or procedure to satisfy this high demand.

From massive systems like cars and satellites to the smallest parts like sensors and switches, it spans the macro to micro scale. Mechanical engineers are required for everything that has to be done and, in fact, for anything with moving parts.

Why is Illinois Home to a Mechanical Engineering School?

A mechanical engineering college degree from Illinois is just the start for any student. In case you’re wondering what studying Mechanical Engineering at one of the best Illinois universities entails.

First off, the majority of Illinois school graduates are prepared to contribute to society through professional practice in industry or government roles and have a wide range of alternatives available to them following graduation. While some students could decide to work in sectors like business, law, or medicine that are connected to their majors.

The majority of recent Illinois school grads in mechanical engineering are working at prominent organizations like Amsted Rail and Lockheed Martin. These alumni hold jobs as design engineers, process engineers, and a variety of other positions.

The majority of graduates, most notably, continue their education by pursuing master’s and PhD degrees or by completing further training and gaining licensure in the profession of their choosing.

For this reason, Illinois students with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering can enroll in graduate programs to further their studies in mechanical engineering or other closely related fields by attending one of the schools. such as chemical, biological, civil, and aeronautical engineering.

Additionally, Illinois is home to 11 ABET-accredited universities that provide more than 60 distinct engineering degrees. The leading engineering accreditation body at the program level is the ABET Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.

Please be aware that there are different types of accreditation available; national accreditation should be adequate, however regional accreditation is typically preferred.

Also Read: Top 20 Music Schools in India

What are Illinois’s Employment Prospects for Mechanical Engineers?

The foundation of mechanical engineering is the application of mathematics and physics. It is one of the most varied fields offered in engineering degrees, hard and lucrative.

As stated by the U.S. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be 25,300 new positions created in the mechanical engineering sector between 2016 and 2026.

Aspiring mechanical engineers should feel encouraged by the abundance of prospects in this employment window. For candidates with the necessary education and expertise, there should be openings in the fields of architecture, alternative energy, remodeling, and nanotechnology.

Candidates will typically need a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in order to be considered for these positions. But some people with associate degrees might be able to get entry-level positions. Those aspiring to management positions must often possess a master’s degree, which is an even higher level of study.

Within the 50 States and the District of Columbia, people who provide their services independently must obtain a license by passing a state-specific exam in addition to having a diploma from a recognized program and four years of relevant professional experience.

Currently, there are over 288,800 mechanical engineers working in the US. Between 2016 and 2026, the employment of mechanical engineers is predicted to increase by 8.8%.

There are currently 15,930 mechanical engineers working in Illinois, which is more than 80% of the state’s total mechanical engineers.

What Does an Illinois Mechanical Engineer Do?

The study of moving systems and things is the focus of mechanical engineering, one of the broadest and most adaptable engineering disciplines. As a result, mechanical engineering has an impact on almost every facet of contemporary life, including the human body, a highly sophisticated mechanism.

In Illinois, a mechanical engineer’s primary responsibility is to promote products or concepts. The forces and thermal environment that a product, its components, or its subsystems will experience must be identified by the mechanical engineer in order to do this. Next, design them with usefulness, durability, and aesthetic appeal in mind. Finally, choose the optimal manufacturing strategy to guarantee faultless performance.

Automotive, aerospace, biotech, computing, electronics, microelectromechanical systems, power conversion, robotics, automation, and manufacturing are just a few of the many areas where mechanical engineers play important roles.

There are 36 technical divisions listed by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), ranging from solid waste and textile engineering to advanced power systems and aerospace engineering.

Typically, mechanical engineers do the following:

• Examine the issues to determine whether a mechanical solution might be possible.
• Create blueprints for mechanical devices by designing or redesigning them.
• Make a prototype of the apparatus and test it.
• Examine test findings, and if required, alter the design.
• Control the production process.

Where Do Mechanical Engineers in Illinois Work?

In Illinois, mechanical engineers hold the second-most significant position in the engineering field.

In Illinois, the majority of mechanical engineers are employed by large engineering firms, R&D organizations, manufacturing companies, and the federal government.

Others operate in the production of all-purpose machinery, auto parts, other management laboratories, and commercial testing.

But in Illinois, mechanical engineers typically operate in formal offices.

They may occasionally travel to construction sites if a problem or piece of machinery needs their personal attention. Illinois has a majority of full-time mechanical engineers, while some put in up to 60 hours or more every week.

Several well-known businesses that frequently hire mechanical engineers in Illinois include:

• II-VI EpiWorks
• John Deere
• Microsoft
• Navistar
• Northrop Grumman
• Ping An Technology
• Pronic
• Sandia National Laboratories
• Schlumberger
• Shah Trade Corporation
• Shanghai Techbank Medical Technology Co.
• Steel Founders’ Society of America
• TimeTooth Technologies
• Boeing
• Coffman Engineers
• HP
• L3Harris
• QinetiQ North America
• Bechtel
• National Oilwell Varco
• Focal Point
• ASML
• Middough
• 3M
• 20/10 Engineering Group
• Cooper Tire and Rubber Company
• Cymer
• Delphi Technologies
• DreamVu
• ExxonMobil
• Fast Radius
• Horton

What Do Mechanical Engineers Make in Illinois?

Mechanical engineers make a wide range of salaries depending on their level of expertise, the industry they work in, and the area where they live and work. The employer and whether the mechanical engineer is employed permanently or on a contract are two other elements that will influence their pay.

According to the National Association of Universities and Employers’ 2012 Spring pay Survey, entry-level mechanical engineers with a bachelor’s degree essentially made an average annual beginning pay of $61,300.

Additionally, according to NACE, salaries for mechanical engineers with a master’s degree began at $75,700 on average. far higher than the typical beginning pay for bachelor’s-degree mechanical engineers.

Gas services, with a median income of $73,000, is among the top five services or industries with the highest median wages among the lowest 10% of wage earners, according to the 2012 Engineering income Survey. The next highest categories are goods made of oil or natural gas ($70,500), electrical services ($70,084), goods made of chemicals, drugs, and associated materials ($68,250), and other mixed public services ($65,484).

The Southwest and Northeast had the highest average pay for mechanical engineers, while the Midwest had the lowest, according to data supplied by the BLS. In 2012, Illinois had the highest wages for mechanical engineers, with an average yearly salary of $103,840.

Rhode Island came in third with $92,820, followed by Chicago with 94,420. Wisconsin had the lowest average wage, with mechanical engineers making an average of $69,610.

In Illinois, the pay for mechanical engineers is comparable to that of related professions. They perform more labor than explosives workers but less than nanotechnology engineers on average.

Illinois Cities with the Highest Salaries for Mechanical Engineers

Gurnee is the Illinois city where mechanical engineers make the most money. In Gurnee, Illinois, a mechanical engineer makes an average salary of $129,277 annually, making it the highest-paid profession.

The Rolling Meadows came in second, paying mechanical engineers an average of $96,203 a year. The Lincolnshire, which currently pays mechanical engineers an average income of $88,423, comes in third.

The largest city in terms of number of businesses where mechanical engineers work and make an average salary of $87,719 a year is Chicago.

• Mechanical engineers in Batavia make $87,473 annually.
• Mechanical engineers in Aurora make $85,391 a year.
• Mechanical engineers in Lisle make $77,940 annually.
• Mechanical engineers in Des Plaines can expect to make $76,621 annually.

Also Read: How to Become a Biomedical Technician: Duties, Education and Salary

How Much Does a Mechanical Engineering Degree in Illinois Cost?

Illinois mechanical engineering programs typically charge $14,900 in tuition each semester. However, tuition costs are typically lower at public institutions and two-year colleges.

No matter what school you attend, you can reduce your personal expenses by applying for grants and scholarships.

In the meantime, Illinois offers a variety of Mechanical Engineering scholarships to take into account. A number of $1,000 engineering scholarships are available to students from the Illinois Society of Professional Engineers. Additionally, the Illinois Section of the ASCE offers up to $2,000 in scholarships each year.

Additionally, each of these institutions provides scholarships to both undergraduate and graduate students.

Also Read: 29 Best Colleges for B Students and how to Enter

What are the Educational Prerequisites in Illinois to Become a Mechanical Engineer?

The majority of Illinois-based mechanical engineering schools provide a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree options.

You must complete 60 credits if you desire an associate’s degree. This procedure can take you two years to finish.

120 credits are needed for bachelor’s degrees, which should take four to five years to complete. However, because you will need to spend time in class and in the lab to get hands-on experience with engineering materials, some of the classes you might need to study at this level are solid mechanics, component design, and thermodynamics.

After finishing your bachelor’s, you may be prepared to teach and do research in mechanical engineering by pursuing a master’s or PhD. Because of this, earning a master’s degree will need you to complete 30 course credits over the course of two to three years. Follow the same courses as a master’s student to earn a doctorate. But you also need to develop and present a thesis.

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation will issue you a license allowing you to practice as a mechanical engineer in Illinois. You must first pass the necessary NCEES test.

You can finish your license application after passing this test. You can continue working as an Illinois engineer as long as you renew when required and satisfy the continuing education requirements.

Best Mechanical Engineering Schools in illinois

The World Scholarship Vault 2023 list examines more than 67 colleges and universities that grant mechanical engineering bachelor’s degrees. The top 10 colleges for mechanical engineering students were determined after considering more than ten different variables.

Ranking Techniques:

We will take into account a number of ranking elements when choosing the Best and Top-Ranked Schools for Mechanical Engineering in Illinois in 2021. Be aware that there are really ten elements taken into account by the World Scholarship Vault of Best Mechanical Engineering Schools in Illinois, but we’ll just go over a few in depth. They consist of:

• Number of Programs: For the Top Mechanical Engineering Schools in Illinois Rankings in 2022, we will use this as one essential consideration. Because some of these universities may offer a sizable number of programs, you will have a wide range of alternatives.
• Accreditation: This factor is crucial because a school can have excellent programs and still not be of high caliber. So, before ranking these colleges, we take into account both their bodies of accreditation and certification. whether they are accredited at the national or regional level.
• Acceptance Rate: This is one factor that is valued highly because a school’s quality is correlated with its acceptance rate. Any Michigan university’s admission rate can be used as a benchmark for evaluating the institution’s quality.
• Graduation & Employment Rate: In this section, we examine if these institutions have a strong propensity for graduating their students. Some people may enroll but then become stalled out. We also take into account whether college graduates can find work at reputable organizations. These elements are both crucial in equal measure.

1. Illinois Institute of Technology

• Grade Point Average: 98%
• Five programs total.
• Ratio of students to faculty: 2.4:1.

Students have a fantastic chance thanks to the Mechanical, Materials, and Aerospace Engineering Department at Illinois Institute of Technology’s Armour College of Engineering.
Specifically, to be able to investigate the structure and qualities of materials engineering, as well as the design and production of machinery, planes, and vehicles outside of Earth’s atmosphere.

While the Master of Science in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering will prepare you for a job in industrial research and development or for upcoming academic positions, you should also take graduate-level courses and engage in cutting-edge research to further your understanding in the field.

The Illinois Institute of Technology most prominently provides three mechanical engineering degree programs. It is a large city’s medium-sized private university. Mechanical engineering saw 155 students graduate in 2015; of those, 90 received master’s degrees, 60 received bachelor’s degrees, and 5 received doctorates.

Programs:

Essentially, the Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering degree trains students in the broad area of System Design and Control as well as the designing, developing, and manufacturing of machines and devices at all scales for energy transmission and production.

While the Master of Science in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Illinois Tech will introduce you to a variety of applications, including robots, engines, and rockets, manned and unmanned aircraft and spacecraft, as well as self-driving automobiles, among many other breakthroughs.

An expedited Master of Mechanical Engineering/Master of Science and Materials Engineering curriculum is also available from the Illinois Tech Armor College of Engineering. Students can do this to pursue additional education while finishing both degrees in as short as five years.

An expedited Bachelor of Science master’s program in mechanical engineering and a Master of Engineering in mechanical and aerospace engineering are also offered at the Illinois Armor College of Engineering Institute of Technology.

Accreditation:

The Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, Inc. has granted the department’s undergraduate mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, and materials science and engineering degrees accreditation.

Additionally, the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET has approved each of their programs.

2. University of Illinois at Chicago

• Rate of Graduation: 61.8%
• Three programs total.
• Ratio of students to faculty: 3.5:1

The University of Illinois at Chicago offers three mechanical engineering degree programs. In a fantastic city, there is a terrific public university.

Approximately 189 students received degrees in mechanical engineering in 2022, including 127 bachelor’s, 50 master’s, and 12 doctoral degrees.

Programs:

Essentially, Northwestern University’s Robert R. McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science (McCormick) offers a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.

Additionally, the University of Illinois at Chicago grants a mechanical engineering bachelor’s degree. Students must fulfill the university, college, and departmental diploma criteria in order to graduate from UIC with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.

Furthermore, the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering provides master’s degree programs that are tailored to a variety of student needs and professional aspirations. Many students who successfully finish these programs are given direct access to more senior positions in business and government. Others, on the other hand, use the degree as a launching pad for industrial or mechanical engineering PhD studies.

UIC has awarded master’s degrees in mechanical engineering to 371 students in the last five years, industrial engineering to 229 students in the same period, and energy engineering to 119 students.

Accreditation:

Above all, the undergraduate mechanical and industrial engineering programs at UIC have earned accreditation from ABET, originally known as the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.

Also Read: Highest-Paying Bioethics Jobs

3. Northwestern University

• Rate of Graduation: 91%
• Four programs total.
• Ratio of students to faculty: 4.6:1

Innovative research and education are combined at the McCormick School of Engineering in a setting that goes beyond the confines of traditional academia.

In a setting made richer by the wealth of the city of Chicago, Northwestern University also provides students and staff with unparalleled possibilities for intellectual, personal, and professional growth.

Programs:

The basically provides a Mechanical Engineering Bachelor of Science degree.

Additionally, McCormick’s combined BS/MS program enables students to complete both their Bachelor’s (BS) and Master’s (MS) degrees at the same time, cutting down on the time needed to complete a Master’s degree.

For a terminal MS degree, their mechanical engineering master’s program offers two options: a thesis option and a non-thesis option. whereas the goal of her mechanical engineering doctoral degree is to uncover new information and technologies.

Accreditation:

The Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET has granted the Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering program accreditation, which is crucial.

4. Bradley University

• Grade-Point Average: 88%
• Four programs total.
• 12:1 is the student to faculty ratio.

Bradley University offers four degree programs in mechanical engineering. This entails earning a bachelor’s degree with a biomedical engineering and energy specialization before moving on to a master’s degree.

The mechanical engineering graduate program at Bradley will successfully equip you to further your profession or obtain a Ph.D. All Bradley mechanical engineering graduates in recent years have either started PhD programs or secured work.

Programs:

Essentially, a mechanical engineering college course uses practical exercises to bring textbook concepts to life. Learn about the physical, scientific, and mathematical foundations of mechanical engineering. With a ME degree, you can work in a variety of industries, including aerospace, automotive, robotics, biomedicine, energy, agriculture, and many more.

The 30-hour mechanical engineering master’s program, meanwhile, improves your capacity for original technical problem-solving.

The degree also equips you with the necessary technical knowledge to pursue a job in engineering. Despite being intended for students having a college degree in mechanical engineering, those with degrees in unrelated engineering fields may also conditionally access the program.

Accreditation:

Above all, the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET has granted Bradley’s mechanical engineering program accreditation.

5. University of Illinois at Urbana – Champaign

• Rate of Graduation: 93%
• Eight programs total.
• Ratio of students to faculty: 4.5:1

The U.S. routinely places the Department of Science and Mechanical Engineering (MechSE) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s Grainger College of Engineering in the top ten. For good reason, News & World Report!

Their two majors—Mechanical Engineering and Mechatronics Engineering—have a significant impact both domestically and internationally.

Programs:

Basically, the University of Illinois’ ABET-accredited undergraduate mechanical engineering department consistently ranks among the finest in the country.

Internationally renowned and award-winning staff, top-notch labs, and extraordinary resources are all available to students in this department.

Additionally, the Graduate Programs in Mechanical Engineering (ME) and Theoretical and Applied Mechanics (TAM) at the Department of Science and Mechanical Engineering (MechSE) are among the best in the world.

MechSE typically provides seven graduate programs:

Research-Based:

• Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering
• Master of Science in Theoretical and Applied Mechanics
• Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering
• Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (online)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Theoretical and Applied Mechanics

Professionally-Oriented:

• ​Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering
• Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering (online)

Accreditation:

Most importantly, the Engineering Mechanics Program at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has earned accreditation from ABET’s Engineering Accreditation Commission.

Additionally, the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET has certified the mechanical engineering program at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

6. Southern Illinois University Carbondale

• Grade-Point Average: 89%
• Four programs total.
• Ratio of students to faculty: 1.2

Officially known as the Department of Thermal and Environmental Engineering, the department was established in 1970.

The president, the head of the Center for Advanced Friction Studies, and the director of the Coal Research Center are among the 15 faculty members who are currently on staff.

Most importantly, the department engages in doctorate studies at the university level engineering science program and offers mechanical engineering bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

Programs:

Basically, the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Mechanical Engineering offered by the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Energy Processes is accredited by the Engineering Commission of the Accreditation Council for Engineering and Technology (EAC/ABET).

They also provide a Ph.D. in Engineering Science with a focus in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Their programs give you state-of-the-art opportunity to succeed, regardless of your varied interests and educational backgrounds.

The Department also provides a mechanical engineering accelerated Master of Science program.

Accreditation:

The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Mechanical Engineering offered by the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Energy Processes is accredited by the Accreditation Commission of Engineers of the Accreditation Council for Engineering and Technology (EAC / ABET), which is crucial.

Also Read: 15 Best Podiatry Schools In The World

7. Northern Illinois University

• Grade-Point Average: 89%
• Three programs total.
• 16:1 is the student to faculty ratio.

A growing number of students looking to begin or develop their engineering careers have been accepted by Northern Illinois University’s mechanical engineering department.

Basically, Northern Illinois University provides two degree programs in mechanical engineering. With 116 graduates in the Mechanical Engineering field of study in 2015, 77 Bachelor’s degrees and 39 Master’s degrees were awarded.

Programs:

Mechanical engineering and mechatronic engineering are the two bachelor of science (B.S.) degrees available. Your creative and analytical abilities will also be tested as you build a specific component or system to suit an industrial demand as part of your Master of Science (MS) degree.

The Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering most notably provides you with a top-notch, innovative engineering education that complies with industry standards. Additionally, it trains you to become a leader and engineer who can address the technical issues that industry and society are currently and in the future facing.

While the Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering fosters your creativity in this fascinating profession and assists you in developing your leadership, communication, and research skills.

Finally, the doctoral program in mechanical engineering will expand your understanding of quantitative and qualitative research techniques.

Accreditation:

In order to guarantee that you receive a top-notch education, Northern Illinois University and the College of Engineering and Engineering Technology uphold accreditation with the foremost engineering education commissions. Additionally, it is the ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission.

8. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

• Grade-Point Average: 87%
• Three programs total.
• 16:1 is the student to faculty ratio.

One of the most complete engineering institutions in the area, SIUE School of Engineering provides a variety of professionally recognized engineering programs.

Courses in fluid mechanics and thermal sciences, structural and vibration mechanics, nonlinear dynamic systems, and mechatronics, robotics, and systems are all given by the department of mechanical engineering. in control.

Programs:

The department grants university degrees in robotics, mechanical engineering, and mechatronic engineering.

The department also provides non-thesis and thesis options for the study program. Both alternatives call for 30 credits.

Similar to electrical engineering, mechanical engineering offers a five-year combined undergraduate and graduate program that leads to the Bachelor of Science (BS) and Master of Science (MS).

Accreditation:

Above all, ABET has accredited UIC’s undergraduate mechanical and industrial engineering programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

To create and enhance the world around us, engineering combines the domains of science and mathematics. Simply said, someone engineer created it if Mother Nature didn’t!
The most well-known and diverse engineering field is mechanical engineering. It focuses on designing, creating, and improving the mechanical systems and parts that run our lives and world, including anything from large-scale infrastructure projects to high-speed trains, artificial hearts, and the production of chocolate bars.

A mechanical engineer’s day is as varied as the industries in which they operate, but they frequently use a combination of technical know-how and analytics to solve issues, create new products and technologies, and enhance existing ones.

Because there is such a great demand for engineering graduates and apprentices, mechanical engineers have excellent employment prospects. 2.74 million job opportunities in the engineering sector are anticipated by 2023, of which 1.86 million will be for positions needing engineering expertise.

Engineering graduates make an average salary of £26,536, which is about £5,000 higher than the national average for high school graduates. Engineering technicians who start as apprentices make an average salary of £26,836. Average starting earnings for Chartered Engineers rise to about £70,000 with experience and formal training.

A career in mechanical engineering might be for you if you like coming up with workable answers to issues and realizing your ideas.
While a love of math and science is crucial, mechanical engineering is a wonderful fit for creative persons with a wide range of interests due to its diversity.

RECOMMENDED READING:

• How to Become a Lobbyist: Skills and Salary
• Ranking of Florida Universities: 20 Top Universities
• 18 Cheapest Colleges in Canada for International Students
• 30-Year-Old Balances 9-to-5 Job With Olympic Swimming Side Hustle
• Top Music Schools in New York
• Top 20 Music Schools in India
• How to become a Cardiologist